Creating a brighter future for children of prisoners

Improving the future of
children who have a parent or parents in prison is a key
focus behind an initiative between Canterbury DHB and
Pillars.

The Canterbury DHB has joined forces with the
children of prisoner’s social services charity to provide
100 vulnerable children and young people in Canterbury
health assessments over the next year.

Sue Miles,
Canterbury DHB Child and Family Safety Service coordinator,
says the initiative is another great example of bringing
services closer to people’s homes through integration
between the health board and community providers.

“We
have been allocated a clinic room at Pillars, in St Albans,
where a Clinical Nurse Specialist from our Child and Family
Safety Service will provide comprehensive psychosocial and
physical health assessments to prisoners’ children aged 16
years and under,” Sue says.

“Many children of
prisoners come from less than fortunate homes with very
little opportunities and often have complicated health needs
that can go overlooked.

Sharen Small, Canterbury DHB
Clinical Nurse Specialist, says it’s well known that
health issues can impact on a child’s learning abilities,
which can affect their future opportunities.

“Our
assessments are about finding out what their needs are and
putting them in contact with the right care and ensuring
that care is followed up,” Sharen says.

“If we can
address those health issues early, then that child has a
better chance in life.”

Verna McFelin, Pillars chief
executive Christchurch, says the organisation is really
excited about the service being community
based.

“We’re really looking forward to providing this
service and have had great support from Corrections who see
this as a key strategy in reducing future offending in this
group,” Verna says.

“Research shows children of
prisoners are seven times more likely to go to prison than
those who are not.”

Children who have had an assessment
will receive a comprehensive health plan, which Pillars can
ensure is followed. Parents and caregivers will be kept
informed of their child’s health needs and any treatments
required.

Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.

We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.

At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.

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